Letters of the law on school safety

The Missouri Safe Schools Act, passed in 1996, was designed to regulate district policy and disciplinary measures on school safety.

Three of the areas addressed may influence the Kelly school board on whether to suspend two students for their roles in the accidental shooting death of a classmate, 15-year-old Kaden Robert, in June.

Policy Development (160.261 RSMO.; 167. 161 RSMo.)

"Each district must develop a written discipline policy which ... defines 'acts of violence' or 'violent behavior' ... defined as "the exertion of physical force by a student with the intent to do serious bodily harm ... to another person while on school property."

"The policy must provide for the suspension of not less than one year or expulsion for a student who brings a weapon to school. The term 'school' includes ... [a] school parking lot."

"Any student who is suspended for violation of a Safe Schools Act offense shall not be allowed within 1,000 feet of any public school property unless ... given prior permission by school district officials."

Crime of Assault While on School Property (565.075 RSMo.)

"(1) knowingly caus[ing] physical injury to another person; or (2) with criminal negligence, caus[ing] physical injury to another person by means of a deadly weapon; or (3) recklessly engag[ing] in conduct which creates a grave risk of death or serious physical injury to another person."

Unlawful Use of Weapons (571.030 RSMo.)

"A person who knowingly carries a loaded or unloaded firearm or any other lethal weapon into a school ... may be charged with the crime of unlawful use of weapons (unless they have a valid concealed carry endorsement)."